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Smallpdf VS fman

Compare Smallpdf VS fman and see what are their differences

DocRaptor
As the only API powered by the Prince HTML-to-PDF engine, DocRaptor provides the best support for complex PDFs with powerful support for headers, page breaks, page numbers, flexbox, watermarks, accessible PDFs, and much more sponsored
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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

Smallpdf logo Smallpdf

PDF document management and conversion suite

fman logo fman

An unexpected gift. January 07, 2018 by Michael. One of the nice things that happened last week was an fman user writing in to say that 1) fman "is THE BEST SOFTWARE" (sic). And that 2) he would like to send me a $50 tip.
  • Smallpdf Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21
  • fman Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21

Smallpdf features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Smallpdf provides a clean, intuitive, and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users of all technical levels.
  • Wide Range of Tools
    Offers a variety of tools for PDF editing, including compressing, merging, splitting, and converting PDFs to other formats.
  • Cloud Integration
    Seamlessly integrates with cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, allowing users to work directly with their files stored online.
  • Security
    Utilizes strong encryption and deletes files from their servers after one hour, ensuring user data is kept secure and private.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Accessible from various devices including desktops, tablets, and smartphones with responsive web design.
  • Free Tier
    Provides a free tier with limited features, which is suitable for occasional or basic users.

Possible disadvantages of Smallpdf

  • Limited Free Features
    The free version only allows for two tasks per day and places restrictions on larger files and advanced features, leading to potential inconvenience for frequent users.
  • Subscription Cost
    The premium subscription can be considered expensive for some users, particularly those who only need occasional PDF edits.
  • File Size Limit
    Even with a premium subscription, there are restrictions on the maximum file size that can be uploaded and processed.
  • Internet Dependence
    Requires an active internet connection to use most of its features, which can be a limitation for users with unreliable or slow connectivity.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Despite strong encryption, some users may still have reservations about uploading sensitive documents to an online service.
  • Limited Customization
    The range of customization options for certain tools may be limited compared to more specialized PDF software.

fman features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Availability
    fman is available on macOS, Windows, and Linux, allowing users to have a consistent file management experience across different operating systems.
  • Performance
    fman is built to be lightweight and fast, which can result in quicker file operations and a more responsive interface compared to some other file managers.
  • Plugin System
    fman offers a plugin system that allows users to extend its functionality according to their needs, which fosters a customizable experience.
  • Dual-Pane Interface
    The dual-pane interface is highly efficient for tasks that involve moving or copying files between directories, offering a productivity boost for power users.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    Extensive keyboard shortcut support lets advanced users perform operations quickly without needing to use the mouse, speeding up file management tasks.

Possible disadvantages of fman

  • Paid Software
    fman is not free; it requires a purchase for continuous use, which might be a drawback for users looking for a free alternative.
  • Limited Built-In Features
    Out-of-the-box, fman might lack some advanced features found in other file managers, requiring users to install plugins to achieve the same functionality.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might experience a learning curve when adapting to fman's interface and keyboard shortcuts, especially if they are coming from more traditional file managers.
  • Plugin Management
    While the plugin system is a pro, managing and finding the right plugins can be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, community plugins might vary in quality.
  • UI Design
    Some users might find the minimalist design too simplistic compared to other file managers, potentially missing out on a richer, more feature-complete interface.

Analysis of Smallpdf

Overall verdict

  • Smallpdf is a reliable and efficient tool for managing PDF documents, suitable for both casual users and professionals. Its combination of versatility, ease of use, and security features makes it a strong contender in the realm of online PDF services.

Why this product is good

  • Smallpdf is considered good because it offers a wide range of PDF tools that are easy to use and accessible online. It provides functionalities such as PDF conversion, compression, editing, and signing, all within a user-friendly interface. This makes it an ideal choice for both individuals and businesses looking for efficient document management solutions. Additionally, it emphasizes security by ensuring encrypted file transfers, which is crucial for handling sensitive information.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who frequently work with PDFs and need a straightforward tool for conversions, compressions, or edits.
  • Students who need to annotate and organize their study materials in a PDF format.
  • Professionals who require a reliable tool for signing documents and collaborating with team members remotely.
  • Businesses looking for secure document management solutions with the flexibility of online access.

Analysis of fman

Overall verdict

  • fman is a solid choice for users seeking a customizable and efficient file management solution. However, those who prefer a more graphical interface with advanced features out-of-the-box may need to look at alternative solutions.

Why this product is good

  • fman is a dual-pane file manager designed to enhance productivity by allowing users to efficiently organize and manage their files across different platforms. It is especially appreciated for its extensibility, as users can create or download plugins to tailor the software to their specific needs. Additionally, its minimalistic design and multi-platform support make it an appealing choice for those who frequently switch between operating systems.

Recommended for

  • Developers and IT professionals who require a cross-platform file manager.
  • Users who appreciate customizability through plugins.
  • Individuals looking for a lightweight and speed-oriented file manager.

Smallpdf videos

+ Add

smallpdf tutorial video

More videos:

  • Review - Smallpdf Review
  • Tutorial - Smallpdf | How to do Unlimited Free Conversions ? | Hack for Smallpdf | Bypass limit of 2 conversion

fman videos

+ Add

Speargun trigger review @ trigger panah ikan #FMAN

More videos:

  • Review - Introducing the OwnHammer 412 FMAN 6-pack
  • Review - Releasing fman 0 6 3

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Smallpdf and fman)

Smallpdf

fman

PDF Tools
100 100%
PDF Tools
0% 0
File Manager
0 0%
File Manager
100% 100
PDF Editor
100 100%
PDF Editor
0% 0
FTP Client
0 0%
FTP Client
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Smallpdf and fman

Smallpdf Reviews

Best Free Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat in 2026
Smallpdf is a well-known online PDF platform with a clean interface. It works entirely in the browser and integrates with Google Drive and Dropbox, making it convenient if you store files in the cloud. The free tier limits you to two tasks per hour and adds a watermark on some output files. Files are uploaded to Smallpdf's servers for processing.
Source: universalfiletools.com
Best Online Image Converters in 2026: Docpose.cloud Leads the Pack
Users highlight Docpose.cloudโ€™s reliabilityโ€”no failed conversions even on rare formats. CloudConvert gets praise for quality tweaks but frustrates with daily resets. iLoveIMG is loved for extras like AI, but free limits irk. Smallpdf suits PDF-image hybrids, less pure images. Convertio is straightforward but caps freebies quick.
Source: fileproinfo.com
Ever wondered why bank statements are always in PDF?
Platforms like iLovePDF and Smallpdf are among the most popular choices. They do a decent job for simple PDFs, but I quickly realized a few issues:
Source: medium.com
Top 10 PDF Converters for converting to or from PDF effortlessly
Smallpdf is one of the most well-known PDF converter tools online. Offering a simple, user-friendly interface, it allows users to convert files to and from PDF without any hassle. Smallpdf supports over 18 file types and integrates with Google Drive and Dropbox for easy cloud storage access.
Source: pdf-converter.ai
The 13 Best Free PDF Editors (February 2024)
One of the quickest ways to add images, text, shapes, or your signature to a PDF is with Smallpdf. I find it extremely easy to use for those things, but I opt for one of the editors that top this list if I need to edit the text because this one won't do it for free.
Source: www.lifewire.com

fman Reviews

14 Alternative File Managers To Replace Windows 10 File Explorer
A very simple dual-window view file manager. The only extra feature I saw was the search bar at the top that you can use to quickly access anything. However, itโ€™s also really small in size and light on resources, so try fman if you have a slow PC.
Source: geekflare.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Smallpdf should be more popular than fman. It has been mentiond 38 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Smallpdf mentions (38)

  • OpenDataLoader: Safe, Open, High-Performance โ€” PDF for AI
    According to statistics from smallpdf.com, by 2025, there will be a massive 2.5 trillion PDF documents stored worldwide, and 290 billion new PDF documents will be created every year. - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Stirling-PDF: local web application to perform various operations on PDFs
    Smallpdf [1] probably deserves a mention here. Not OSS and not self-hosted, but Iโ€˜ve used it occasionally and it has always worked really well. When I was running an agency, we inherited their first office โ€“ very cool folks. [1] https://smallpdf.com/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Looking fore college ruled template to print
    And use this one to merge two single-page pdf to make a double side page. Source: over 2 years ago
  • PDF to Excel without O365/Adobe Acrobat?
    I don't have Office 365 for the "Get Data" option, nor do I have Adobe Acrobat. I've tried the smallpdf website but it came out a mess, possibly because my original spreadsheet had highlighted rows and lots of text in some of the cells. Source: over 3 years ago
  • 5 tips to improve your SaaS user onboarding
    Examples of companies doing this well: - SmallPDF users can convert or compress a limited number of files without an account โ€” turning users into advocates and customers once paid use cases comes along; - Freshline uses interactive product demos to help users self-educate and understand the value of their features, without a paywall or registration;. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

fman mentions (10)

  • Ask HN: What project do you donate to?
    My first donations were for daily-driver productivity tools: Min browser (https://github.com/minbrowser/min). - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • File Pilot: A file explorer built for speed with a modern, robust interface
    I once devoted 2 years of my life to developing a file manager called fman [1]. In total, it generated probably 35,000$ in profits, so my income from the project is somewhere under 10 $/h. As software developers, our opportunity costs are high. I use my file manager to this day and love it - how could I not. But I regret spending so much time on it. Congratulations on your launch. I wish you more success than I've... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Use Midnight Commander like a pro (2015)
    Shameless plug for my more modern alternative to Midnight Commander, https://fman.io. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Best symbols in folder names to pin an important folder up top?
    Use a file browser that supports jumping to a folder by frecency (examples: z (shell extension) or my-dired-recent-dirs() in my dired or https://fman.io/ for users that prefer graphical UIs). You will find out that you will prefer jumping to navigation when you're familiar with the concept. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Ask HN: Why aren't there any real alternatives to Electron?
    There are great alternatives. I used Python and Qt to create my file manager [1]. It's a tool that needs to start quickly so Electron was not an option [2]. I open sourced my build system for creating cross-platform desktop apps with it in minutes at https://build-system.fman.io/. 1: https://fman.io 2: https://fman.io/blog/picking-technologies-for-a-desktop-app-in-2016/. - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Smallpdf and fman, you can also consider the following products

iLovePDF - Premium online PDF tool set

Midnight Commander - GNU Midnight Commander is a visual file manager, licensed under GNU General Public License and...

Adobe Acrobat DC - Make your job easier with Adobe Acrobat DC, the trusted PDF creator. Use Acrobat to convert, edit and sign PDF files at your desk or on the go.

Double Commander - Double Commander is a cross-platform open source file manager with two panels side by side.

Sejda - Split, merge and other powerful PDF tools.

Vifm - Vifm is a ncurses based file manager with vi like keybindings.

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